Fig. 4
Semiquantitative analysis of relative cell count after 5 days of dynamic culture with endothelial cells EA.hy 926. For cell counting, 20 microscopic images in 200 times magnification from 4 different section levels of each kidney were used. Representative images are shown in A for 3%SDS and B for 0.66% SDS, respectively. Arrows indicate adherent cells. For improved comparison of recellularization procedures, the relative quantity of adherent cells was then calculated by setting the counted cells in relation to 1 × 106 inserted cells. The mean (± SD) of the relative cell count was 0.62 (± 0.07) and 1.39 (± 0.26) after decellularization at 3% SDS and 0.66% SDS, respectively (p = 0.1, two-tailed Mann–Whitney U test). Relative cell count could be more than doubled after using the gentle decellularization protocol at 0.66% SDS (4C). n = 3 for each SDS concentration